Nordic-RSE conference info event

When? - February 27th at 13 CET
Where? - Zoom: https://cscfi.zoom.us/j/63338463384
Who? - Everyone interested in the conference
Want a calendar invite? -> Submit your e-mail address here: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/1B66F1276F66E9A4

For more information or joining the effort, please join the Chat (https://coderefinery.zulipchat.com) or send an e-mail to secretary@nordic-rse.org.

Nordic-RSE 2025 conference website: https://nordic-rse.org/nrse2025/

Next event related to the conference: "Night of unfinished abstracts" on March 12th at 15 CET; get a calendar invite by providing your e-mail address here: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/B2F9159F22A724E4

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What is the Nordic-RSE conference about? Who might you meet there? Why might you want to join? What can you submit?
-> If any of these questions are on your mind, grab a beverage of your choice and join our info session for the Nordic- RSE conference 2025. We will have a cozy chat with conference chair and our local host and time for your questions too.
Connection details and more info: https://hackmd.io/@nordic-rse/NRSE25_info

Questions and answers

  1. Introductions
    • Name, affiliation, day job
    • What is RSE to you?
      RD: everything research that is not related to cranking out papers, stuff that is not valued in academia; RSE team fills that gap and does the work that is undervalued regarding infrastructure and code development
      MT: RSE is more of a space, for people that care about software and everything around it
  2. How is this different from a domain specific or topical conference?
    MT: It's about software and techniques, to get a common understanding, a space for the details.
    This conference is for the people excited for their work and want to learn more. NOT a place where people will ask about citations or point out mistakes in your work; people bring what they like and what they are passionate about
    RD: here: people care about work I am doing, other people like me and caring about "how can I help"
  3. Who is the conference for?
    Everyone who is interested in joining, learning about RSE and connecting with RSE community. You do not have to be an RSE.
    We expect more Nordic-ish people, since it is close by and there is a higher likelihood of doing stuff after. But the conference is open also for non-Nordic participants. We are happy to connect!
  4. Who would you like to meet there?
    RD: People who are interested in a career path different from the traditional academic career but close to science
    MT: Would not like to meet gatekeepers, RSE is open minded community
  5. Why are you excited for the conference?
    MT: joined NordicRSE in 2022, everything online, conference in 2024 was the first time to meet people in person and talk also non-work stuff and get to know the people
    RD: get a lot of passive info, learn about tips and tricks
  6. What would you like to see on the program?
    People talking about things they are passionate about, having fun, learning from each other.
    RD: Not too specialized topics, high level overview of tools and techniques people use in their work; excited about something new to him. Often something that is everyday tool for you it might be new to me. We could have a session where people showcase their tools & techniques in a short talk/poster.
  7. How large do you expect the conference to be?
    Last year: 30 people
    This year: expectation 50 - 100
  8. What kind of people?
    researchers, research support, research infrastructure staff, people interested in the concept

Blogpost draft

Join Us at Nordic-RSE conference 2025: A Home for Research Software Enthusiasts!

Have you ever felt like the work you do in research software goes unnoticed? Like the infrastructure, tools, and coding behind scientific breakthroughs don’t always get the recognition they deserve? You’re not alone—and that’s exactly why this conference exists!

The Nordic-RSE conference is an event designed for anyone passionate about research software engineering (RSE). Whether you develop research tools, support scientific software, or are simply curious about RSE, this is the perfect space to learn, connect, and share knowledge. On February 27th we met with the conference chair Richard Darst and local organizer Matteo Tomasini to chat about the upcoming conference.

What is RSE and Why Should You Care?

Research Software Engineering is the backbone of modern research. It’s the coding, infrastructure, and tools that enable scientific discoveries—but often, it’s undervalued in academia.

As one of our interviewees put it: “RSE is everything research-related that isn’t just publishing papers. It’s about the software, the infrastructure, the tools that make research possible.”

Another described RSE as “a space for people who care about software and everything around it.” This conference is about celebrating that space and bringing together a community that understands the importance of research software.

What Makes This Conference Different?

Unlike traditional domain-specific conferences, this one is about:

  • Techniques over results – It’s not about presenting research findings but about sharing the methods, tools, and best practices that make research possible.
  • A welcoming community – No gatekeeping, no pressure to defend your work. Instead, an open, friendly environment where people share what they love.
  • A passion-driven approach – If you’re excited about research software, this is the place for you!

If you’ve ever wanted to discuss research software without worrying about citations or academic critique, this is your chance to be part of a supportive, enthusiastic community.

Who Should Attend? (Spoiler: Probably You!)

This conference welcomes anyone interested in research software. You don’t have to be an RSE to join—just curious and eager to learn! Expect to meet:

  • Researchers
  • Research software engineers
  • Research support staff
  • Infrastructure professionals
  • Anyone interested in RSE, regardless of background!

While we anticipate a strong Nordic presence, the conference is open to participants from all over. We’re excited to connect with both local and international attendees!

What’s on the Agenda?

This is up to you, submit your abstract until March 16th and be part of shaping the agenda!

We would love to hear talks and discussions on tools, techniques, and workflows; A showcase of everyday tools and techniques that might be new and exciting for others.

In any case, there will be plenty of networking opportunities to meet like-minded people and exchange ideas.

One of our interviewees shared: “Often, something that’s an everyday tool for you might be completely new to someone else. We could have a session where people showcase their tools & techniques in short talks or posters.”

The conference will feature a mix of high-level overviews and in-depth discussions, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Why We’re Excited (And Why You Should Be Too!)

For many of us, this conference is more than just a work event—it’s a chance to meet like-minded people, learn new things, and strengthen the RSE community.

One interviewee shared: “The last event was my first chance to meet people in person and talk not just about work, but about our shared interests. It’s a great way to build meaningful connections.”

Others are excited to pick up tips and tricks from peers, gaining practical knowledge that can be applied immediately.

How to Join

Join us for the second ever in-person gathering of the Nordic Research Software Engineering community!

Dates: May 20-21 2025 (9-17 CET)
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Website: https://nordic-rse.org/nrse2025/
Abstract submission open until March 16th via the website. Support for writing your abstract at the "night of unfinished abstracts" on March 12th from 15 CET to 17 CET. Get a calendar invite by providing your e-mail address (https://link.webropolsurveys.com/EP/B2F9159F22A724E4) or find connection details in our collaborative notes: https://hackmd.io/@nordic-rse/NUA .
Registration is currently open via the website.

Sign up now and be part of a growing, passionate community that values the work behind the research. We can’t wait to see you there!